The Tsyome Aƒedo Mechanized Borehole Water Project was born out of the urgent need to address the severe and persistent water scarcity in the Tsyome Aƒedo community, home to 1,004 households and a total population of 2,500. For years, residents depended on a single borehole connected to just four standing pipes, which only functioned reliably during the rainy season. In the dry months, water flow dropped drastically, affecting hygiene, health, and livelihoods especially for women, children, and adolescent girls, who bore the brunt of the water crisis.

After an inclusive community engagement process involving meetings, mapping, group discussions, and decision-making tools like affinity mapping and Innovator’s Compass, the community unanimously agreed to prioritize a mechanized borehole water system over other development ideas. The aim: to ensure consistent, clean water access for all, while relieving the physical and emotional toll of water collection.

Initially planned to run from April 15 to June 31, 2025, the project faced implementation delays. Despite these setbacks, the community pushed forward, increasing its contribution beyond expectations. While the original budget was ₵70,989, the actual project cost rose to ₵78,077.50. The community impressively covered ₵50,045.50 (64%), with ₵35,945.50 in cash and ₵14,100 in-kind. CorpsAfrica’s contribution, impacted by currency depreciation, was ₵28,032 (36%) instead of the projected ₵30,000.

The mechanized borehole and new water storage facility will directly benefit 1,200 people in 400 households, providing safe, year-round access to water. Additionally, an estimated 2,200 indirect beneficiaries, including residents living outside the community and visitors attending events will also gain from the project, bringing the total number of people positively impacted to 3,400.

To ensure sustainability, the project includes a local management plan through a community water committee that will oversee operations, maintain infrastructure, collect funds, and monitor performance regularly. The project directly contributes to SDG 6; Clean Water and Sanitation, ensuring improved hygiene, reduced disease, and restored dignity, especially for women and girls.